While the Navy has used drones before for mine clearing and other defensive tasks, the small boat (similar to that pictured above) is the first experiment to involve true offensive capabilities.

ENGADGET: US Navy tests first 11-meter missile-firing sea drone (video)

"The rats are relatively fast and accurate compared to other techniques, " said Christophe Cox, head of a mine-clearing group called Apopo in Morogoro, Tanzania.

WSJ: Sniffing Out a More-Efficient Mine Sweeper

However, before he was demobbed, he was drafted on duty aboard another mine sweeper with responsibility for clearing the inshore minefields between Boulogne and Dieppe off the French coast.

BBC: War veteran George Davies to make final Sri Lanka journey

The Karen Refugees Committee, a leading refugee organization, recently said the reforms in Myanmar "signal a ray of hope for many refugees to be able to return to their homeland, " but laid down 10 conditions for repatriation ranging from a solid nationwide cease-fire to clearing the vast mine fields along the border.

NPR: Refugees Face Uncertain Future As Myanmar Opens

As well as clearing mines, the Cambodia Mine Action Centre, which co-ordinates the landmines operation, has been getting local people to help mark danger areas.

ECONOMIST: Cambodia

Meanwhile, the miners continued to aid with their own rescue by clearing rock that had fallen into the mine as a result of the drilling.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Officials said the miners were clearing about eight tons of rock every 12 hours to keep the mine shaft clear.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS